ZIP files also called “compressed files” or “compressed folder” is a method and technique for file handling. There are several types of file compression available. Ableton Denver uses *.zip (zip) format. For more information on zip files visit this link on wikipedia.
Normally zip formats are used for file size reduction. File size reduction is really not our goal here (although it does help a tiny bit).
ZIP files are important because it allows users to exchange full and complete projects and collections as a single file. Let’s talk about this idea more.
Most audio projects contain a wide assortment of different file types. These include MP3’s, wave files, setting files, Ableton specific files, and possibly even text or PDF documents explaining what the heck is going on. In these “project” instances a ZIP’ed file is the easiest way to handle all of the information as one solid unit. By zipping a project folder you create a single file that is easy to move.
Inside that file is ALL of your information including the file structure (file inside a folder inside a folder is all preserved). When a user un-ZIPs your file everything is in the right place. That is provided you did the zip correctly.
What you need to ZIP:
Windows: Zip capability is inherent to Windows operating system. Simply right click on the master (main) folder of your project and choose “send to” then “compressed (zipped) folder”.
Mac OS : IN Mac OS control click the zip file add select “compress”
When you ZIP or files, it may take some time. As the file size gets bigger or your processor speed gets slower this could be a while. Generally you should not see the process take more than a few minutes for large files.
Tips
Be absolutely sure that you have all the files contained inside a master folder. You should only zip ONE ITEM (the folder). Although it is possible to zip many files into one zip folder this is BAD practice. When the next user un-zips the files “puke everywhere” instead of being contained in a single folder. This can become a serious problem if you zip 100 samples that are not contained in a folder.
Externally linked files are a problem with zipping. If a project uses files outside of the zipped master folder other users will encounter errors. This is why there is the “collect and save” function for Ableton. Almost every audio program has some form of external file collection or warning system in the software. It is a good thing to know.
In case you did not get the point made in the above paragraph – always “collect and save” your project in Ableton before zipping.
If you have multiple *.als files in a project this can make your zip (file) larger than it needs to be. Each *.als file may reference files you are not using anymore. These references will interfere with actions to remove unused media from your project. An easy method to use operates like this:
- Close the project in Ableton
- Copy the project (master) folder to a new location.
- Open the new (copied) in Ableton (if you have file breaks you will be informed in Ableton).
- Remove ALL not used and unnecessary *.als files.
- Purge all unused media
- Close the project out in Ableton
- ZIP the folder
Check your zip! Seriously – that the zip file and it and test it out. Hard drive space is so cheap now a days you should make sure everything is okay for the next user. (Everyone messes this up once in a while – ever send the email without attachment?)
Programs:
WinZIP works well:
WINRAR is also great:
Sample Collections should also be zipped. Unless you want to upload 200 individual files.
If you are presenting a sample collection please take the time to record a “final” MP3 that sows off your audio skills and highlight a few samples from the work.
If you have any questions or comments please use the comments section (you need to be a registered user).
To unzip in Mac OS – double click to preview.
To unzip in wonws you can right-click and “unzip” (dialog will vary slightly).
